Step It Up to Cut Cancer Risk

Need a reason to lace up your sneakers and head out the door? Whether you prefer a neighborhood stroll, a yoga class, or a round of golf, exercise can do more than keep you fit—it may reduce your risk of developing cancer as well.

Previous research found a link between exercise and a lower risk for breast, endometrial, and colon cancer. But a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that exercise can reduce the risk for 10 other cancers as well, including lung, esophageal, and liver cancer.

Up Your Activity Level

To help prevent cancer, how active do you need to be? For optimal health, adults should aim for:

Here’s the great part about this form of cancer prevention: It doesn’t have to cost you a thing. Household chores, yard work, gardening, and walking all count as moderate-intensity activity.

If you have physical limitations, look for exercise options that will work for you. Adaptive yoga classes, water exercise, and moves that use exercise bands may all be a good fit.

No matter what your ability, check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Exercise is only part of the cancer-prevention picture. The study also suggested that there may be a connection between a healthy body mass index, or BMI, and a lower risk for some types of cancer. Find your BMI by using this calculator.

Here’s how to interpret your BMI:

Underweight: BMI lower than 18.5

Normal: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9

Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9

Obese: BMI higher than 30

Ask your doctor to check your BMI annually. If your BMI is outside the normal range, talk with your doctor about what you can do to raise or lower it. And see him or her annually to discuss how you can stay active and reduce your cancer risk.

The good news: Regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy BMI. That’s one more benefit of being active! When you make exercise a priority, you’ll boost your odds of staying healthy—and keeping cancer at bay.